Milwaukee police pursuit policy changed after deaths

The new policy is drawing criticism from rank and file officers

By Jesse Garza Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee police officers must now have probable cause that a violent felony has occurred rather than reasonable suspicion of a serious offense before engaging in vehicle pursuits of suspects.

That new policy, made public Monday, is drawing criticism from the union that represents rank and file officers and the chairman of the Common Council's Public Safety Committee. Ald. Bob Donovan said the new policy takes discretion away from officers while encouraging criminals to disobey police.

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"So now, if a burglary suspect or drug dealer jumps in a vehicle and refuses to stop for a patrol car, he'll be able to take off and get away because the crime was not a violent felony," Donovan said in a statement issued Monday. Since Dec. 31 four people in three separate incidents have been killed by drivers fleeing Milwaukee police.